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Audi Cabriolet

Cabriolet is the moniker that Audi gave several of its convertible vehicles, including the A80, A4, and A5. The first Audi Cabriolet convertible was a slightly modified version of the A80, which was in production from 1966 to 1996 and had a convertible top instead of a standard hardtop. Even though Audi stopped manufacturing the A80 in 1996, the Audi Cabriolet was still in production until 2000. Consumers that wanted to purchase an A80, therefore, could only choose the convertible option. In 1994, Audi introduced its A4 model. The Audi A4 Cabriolet is a two-door convertible that was replaced by the A5 Cabriolet convertible. However, the A4 is still available in sedan and wagon body styles. Audi began production of its A5 but did not make a Cabriolet version until 2009. The mechanics used in the A5 two-door Audi Cabriolet are closely related to the mechanics used in the A4.

Consumers can currently purchase Audi A5 Cabriolets convertibles. Audi designed the latest A5 after its success with the Nuvolari quattro, or all-wheel drive (AWD) in 2003. The 2012 Audi Cabriolet is based on the Nuvolari's grand touring, or cruiser, concept, but it uses an attractive two-door convertible body style. Some experts claim that the Audi A5 Cabriolet is less practical than the Nuvolari, but many consumers are willing to trade a few practical functions for a sexier look.

Like many of today's Audi cars, the 2012 Cabriolet uses all-wheel drive that gives it exceptional power and handling on the road. With all-wheel drive, the car offers the power of a rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle as well as the exceptional handling that a front-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle offers in slippery conditions. The additional weight of an all-wheel transmission, however, does not make the Audi Cabriolet less fuel-efficient than most of its competitors. That's because Audi has created a fuel-efficient engine that offers a good MPG in town and on the highway. Consumers looking to buy a sporty convertible, of course, can expect less fuel efficiency.

The Audi Cabriolet comes with a fabric roof instead of a retractable hardtop, which is featured in many previous Cabriolet models. This makes the vehicle lighter, which leads to better fuel efficiency for modern drivers.

The Audi A5 Cabriolet is clearly designed to compete with other high performance vehicles such as the Infiniti G37, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, and the BMW 3 Series. However, the combination of power, handling, and style comes at a price. Convertibles typically cost more than hardtop models, and the A5 Cabriolet is no different. Consumers can expect to spend $4,000 to $5,000 more for the convertible than the coupe model. While that puts the Audi Cabriolet out of some people's price range, it is still relatively affordable for the type of consumers that its design attracts.

Audi Cabriolet Features

The Audi Cabriolet is well known for its role as Audi's convertible body style. Each Cabriolet features a two-door design that offers a sporty look for drivers interested in a high-performance vehicle. It also features the same performance mechanics included in other body styles. This gives them the same handling and performance benefits of all A80, A4, and A5 Audi cars. The Cabriolets also sport a fabric soft top, different from the Volkswagen Eos, which has a hard retractable roof.

Audi Cabriolet Evolution

Audi's first Cabriolet was a convertible version of the company's A80. Unlike the A4 Cabriolet and A5 Cabriolet, however, Audi chose to leave "A80" out of the car's name, instead dubbing it as the Audi Cabriolet. Despite the name difference, the Cabriolet was nearly the same car as the A80. Audi simply redesigned the vehicle slightly to make a convertible version. This significant stylistic difference, however, does not detract from the fact that the Cabriolet had the same engine and transmission as the A80. Consumers looking for a high-performance, reliable vehicle with a little more pizzazz should turn to the Cabriolet.

Audi produced four generations of the A80: the A80 B1 in 1972, B2 in 1978, B3 in 1986, and B4 in 1991. The Audi A80 B1 is also known as the Audi Fox especially overseas.

Like other Audi vehicles, the A4 stands out because of its excellent power and handling. Every generation features an all-wheel drive transmission, or quattro, that gives drivers more control than front-wheel or rear-wheel cars. Audi manufactured five generations of the A4, with each generation showing slight improvements over previous designs. The fourth generation Audi A4, which ran from 2005-2008, was the last that consumers could purchase as a Cabriolet. Buyers wanting to purchase an A4 in 2012 could only choose between the four-door sedan and the five-door Avant wagon.

The Audi A5 is the current model offered as a Cabriolet. The first A5 Cabriolet, also known as the 8F7, debuted in 2009. It uses the same engine and transmission as other A6 models.